How moms can turn picky eaters into healthy eaters

by Cinda Chatfield

One of the most frequent questions I get from parents is how to add diversity to their children’s diet. Some children are picky eaters and their reactions to foods they don’t like can range from refusal to eat, to outright tantrums. The battle at the dinner table can send you over the edge. You may feel like you’re losing the battle of getting your child to eat healthy foods.

Make smart choices at the grocery store

The answer is: you CAN’T make any child eat anything. However, you can and do control what they do eat as you purchase it, prepare it and serve it. What I’m getting at is, serve highly preferred meals to your children with the vegetables as an appetizer. This means dinner will not be served until the appetizer is finished.

Make kid’s meals fun

Be kind if you want them to eat broccoli and they really don’t like broccoli. Try melting some cheese on it and put fancy toothpicks in each piece to make it fun to eat! Try carrots with butter and cinnamon, it tastes like dessert, but it’s good for you! Maybe try some fresh vegetables, cut in interesting shapes, with ranch dip on the side.

Eating should not be a battle. This is why many people find themselves with eating disorders. If you want your children to eat healthy snacks and meals, then simply keep only healthy snacks and food in the house. Do not bring home cookies, ice cream and processed food if you don’t want your family to eat it. Please parents, be reasonable − there’s no reason any child should have to eat brussels sprouts if they really don’t want to!

About the Author: Cinda Chatfield has worked for over 15 years as a Child Development Specialist, Parent & Family Educator and Advocate. Cinda is the founder of Chatfield & Company, a collective dedicated to creating a harmonious home environment for parents and children. To find out more visit: chatfieldandcompany.com